I’ve sat down to write this a few times, but lost interest after only a couple of paragraphs in all (both) instances. As far as I can tell, it was a problem of depth. In an effort to fully illustrate my trip, I went into way too much detail, to the point where I was even bored writing it. While I was in Malaysia, Bintang took well over 600 photos; a few of these will provide a much richer portrait than an page full of my overly wordy paragraphs.
As much as a enjoy Jakarta at times, my preference would be to live in Kuala Lumpur. So many of Jakarta’s problems are rectified here. Public transport makes (more) sense. Traffic is a breeze, compared to constant macet. It’s cleaner, not so stiflingly hot, and in many, many ways, just that much more beautiful and friendly than the Big Durian.
Being a tourist, I was compelled to do tourist things, including a ride on the Eye on Malaysia. A beautiful setting, nice view of the city, and a friendly group of Thai evangelicals sharing our carriage made for an enjoyable afternoon.
Jalan Bukit Bintang, in the Bukit Bintang area, part of the Golden Triangle. The most jammed up I saw traffic during my stay, and about average for 3PM on a weekday in Yogya. Except with ten thousand less motorcycles. I didn’t stay here, but in Chinatown, which was cheaper. Bought two Subways on this street though!
Another tourist must, the Menara KL. Walked there in a roundabout fashion, Went up it, took a bunch of photos, watched the hilariously nationalistic video tour, and came down. It’s worth it, if you like that sort of thing, and I do.
Petronas Towers. Yup, it’s lumayan besar. The adjoining mall was too. Good gelato! Had a real yiros too.
A beautiful mosque indeed, and right in the middle of a bustling intersection. I think there is a light rail station underneath.
“Look closer Lenny!” “Oh, I know what it is; you’re the biggest man in the world now, and you’re covered in gold.” “Fourteen karat gold!”
After climbing a goodly number of stairs, one reaches the main of the Batu Caves, and a series of Hindu shrines. It’s a very fresh, natural place, though covered with trash which the ample number of caretakers go to no special lengths to clean. Scratched into the walls are graffiti, mostly names, a few misguided romantic gestures, and in one place, some very well carved Standard Mandarin characters. Largely depressing, but still, kudos on the last count!
Hinduism is a much more colourful religion than most. I appreciate that, but in all honestly, I enjoy Buddhist temples that much more. Just personal preference, and as luck would have it, there would be no shortage of specimens in Melaka.
More to come!
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